Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act
House Bill Would Require Schools to Follow Strict Concussion Safety Rules or Risk Losing Federal Funding
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill, introduced by Mr. DeSaulnier and Mr. Stauber, requires states to set minimum safety rules for how schools handle concussions. If states do not put these rules in place within five years, they could lose 5% to 10% of their federal education funding. The goal is to make sure all students have the same protections regardless of where they live.
- Under the new rules, any student suspected of having a concussion must be pulled from play immediately. They are not allowed to return to sports on the same day they were injured. To get back on the field, a student must provide a written release from a healthcare professional who is trained in treating brain injuries in children.
- The policy also requires schools to help students with their schoolwork while they recover. This includes providing 'cognitive rest,' which might mean shorter school days or modified assignments. Schools must create a team of parents, teachers, and health professionals to help the student slowly return to both sports and classroom activities.
- Schools would be required to train coaches, teachers, and nurses on how to recognize the signs of a concussion, such as memory loss, dizziness, or mood changes. Information about the risks of brain injuries must be posted clearly on school grounds and on school websites so that parents and students are well-informed.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
This bill directly protects student athletes by requiring states to establish concussion safety plans in all public schools. Students suspected of having a concussion must be immediately removed from play and cannot return until cleared by a trained healthcare professional. Schools must also provide academic accommodations like modified assignments and cognitive rest periods during recovery. These protections apply whether the concussion happened during school activities or not, ensuring broader coverage for all students.
Disabilities
Broader Impacts
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
4 articles
Durbin Introduces Bill To Expand Concussion Safety In School Sports
The legislation would require states to adopt a 'when in doubt, sit it out' policy, preventing student athletes suspected of concussions from returning to play the same day. It requires evaluation and clearance by a qualified health care professional before resuming participation.
Weekly News Roundup: Youth Sports Bill Re-Introduced In Congress
Senator Dick Durbin is promoting the Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act. The act focuses on safety in game play and practice, prohibiting any youth athlete with a suspected concussion from competing for the remainder of the day.
House Democrats Reintroduce Federal Student-Athlete Concussion Legislation
The bill would require schools to establish a multidisciplinary concussion-management team to help students reacclimate to academic and athletic activities. This includes 'appropriate academic accommodations aimed at progressively reintroducing cognitive demands.'
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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